Shelly Perry, from Portland, Oregon, left a decade-long career working with children in a social services capacity to pursue her life-long love of photography in 2003. Now an established professional, her images have been seen all over the globe on album covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

While she makes most of her photography income through stock, her real photography love is documentary and creative fine art. An excellent presenter, Shelly has joined numerous Great Escape workshops to share her experiences and help our readers to follow in her footsteps. Shelly’s specialty is people photography - what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits.

In her own words:

Today: I can't imagine ever having a "regular job" again.
Best adventure: I have had so many epic moments, but these are a few standouts: swimming with the giant sea turtles in the Galapagos, walking the Great Wall of China, riding an elephant in Thailand (way better than riding a camel in Egypt), flying in a tiny piper plane over the wilds of Alaska, being at the Lantern Festival in Thailand, seeing the Shaman in Ecuador, meeting and making friends all over the world.
Favorite Photographer: Gregory Colbert
People don’t know: I’m scared of heights!

How to Use Selective Focus in Photos

One of the most powerful photography techniques to learn is selective focus. It makes your photos look more intentional, more professional, and lends impact, directing the viewer’s eye. What is Selective Focus? Selective focus is basically what it sounds like. You select what portion of your image you want to be in focus, while blurring […]

How to Stand in Photos

This full-body pose is the quickest way to look slimmer in photos – and it works on almost everyone.  Just flip through a beauty magazine and you’ll see models and celebrities doing it on every page. Here’s how to do it, step by step: 1. A person’s body positioned at a 45-degree angle appears 25% […]

the human tripod

The Human Tripod

This week’s tip is about holding your camera. This may sound ridiculously simple and you might be wondering why on earth I would choose it as a subject for discussion. But the truth is: The way you hold your camera can make or break your shots. Camera shake can ruin an otherwise perfect photograph.  And […]